Nicholas David West Coast Tour ’13: Where'd I leave my heart again?

Dylan, Nicholas and Me by the sea.

We had yesterday off, so we decided to take drive up Highway 1 towards our hotel in San Jose.  This is the most western highway in the United States.  It is one of the most beautiful drives I've ever been on.  It was slightly harrowing making the tight corners in a 15 passenger van, but I wasn't driving, so it didn't bother me that much.  My fear of heights kicked in at certain points, and I had to not look down in a few spots.  Along the way we stopped a few times to soak in the view.

Zebra Centaur thingy.

We stopped for lunch at a sea side Mexican restaurant that had huge paper mache statues of odd figures.  I couldn't help but take a stupid picture with a creepy Zebra Centaur.

We spent the night in San Jose and hit the road early in the morning so we could spend the day in San Francisco.  Our show was at the America's Cup Pavilion, which is situated right on one of the many piers near the Embarcadero.  I learned that our show would be the last performance ever hosted at this venue.  That is a shame, as this venue is really cool.  It is right on the water, and at night the San Francisco skyline glows in the background.

America's Cup Pavilion at night.

Before sound check, Nicholas, Dylan and I headed down to a local farmer's market.  There were some amazing vendors selling phenomenal locally sourced products.  The smells and tastes were amazing.  In true rock-star fashion, we each did a shot of sauerkraut juice from a local producer.  I had jalapeno, Nicholas had beet ginger, and Dylan had dill pickle.  Mine was great.  Nicholas and Dylan had lesser opinions of their shots.  I also haggled over some jewelry with a cute little Asian woman in an angry birds stocking hat. 

Our set.

Once again, we had a great show.  The audience and promoters loved us and we have plans on coming back to San Francisco again in the future.  The Avett Brothers also put on a fantastic show and gave the venue a fitting send off.  

The real show. 

After the show, Nicholas, Jim (our front of house guy) and I sat and watched the crew tear down while we waited for the merchandise accounting to be settled.  I'll say it again, but it is an incredible undertaking to watch.  We sat in the stands and cheered them on.  Some of the crew who knew us thought it was fun, some of the local guys thought we were annoying.  Either way, I have much respect for what they do.

Tomorrow we leave the Avett Brothers and headline our own show in Sacramento.